Submission Guidelines

The Georgia Genealogical Society Journal (formerly Quarterly) seeks to advance Georgia genealogical scholarship. We are looking for well-written and well-researched case studies and family narratives. Articles discussing specific record sets with genealogical value will also be considered.

Articles should demonstrate sound reasoning and rely primarily on original records. The subject matter should be relevant to Georgia genealogy.

Manuscript Format

  • Manuscripts should be between 1,000 and 10,000 words. Contact the editor regarding longer submissions.
  • Microsoft Word is the preferred format, sent as an attachment to GGSJ@gagensociety.org.
  • An author’s biography should be included, preferably 25–50 words long.
  • Each statement that is not common knowledge should have a footnote with a citation to a reliable source.
  • There should only be one space between each sentence.
  • Spell out single-digit numbers and use numerals for all others (See Chicago Manual of Style, 18th ed., 9.3).
  • Tables should not exceed 4–5 columns.
  • The narrative should not include any long hyperlinks. Long hyperlinks in footnotes are acceptable, but may be shortened for publication.
  • Family narratives should follow the NGSQ numbering system. 

Writing Style

Genealogical writing generally falls into one of three major genres: 1) research reports, 2) case studies, and 3) family narratives. Of these, only case studies and family narratives are eligible for publication in the GGSJ.

For guidance on genealogical writing, please refer to Chapter 7 of Mastering Genealogical Proof, 2nd ed., by Thomas W. Jones, especially the section on “Clear writing,” pages 105 – 106.

For guidance on structuring your family narrative according to the NGSQ numbering system, please refer to Numbering Your Genealogy: Basic Systems, Complex Families, and International Kin, by Curran, Crane, and Wray. (A sample family narrative paper is available here.)

Citations

Citations should be constructed in the style of Evidence Explained, 4th ed., by Elizabeth Shown Mills. (Citations Coach is a free program that helps learn the basics of this system.) The following exceptions are requested:

  • Omit the “citing” layer (see Evidence Explained, page 111)
  • Direct URLs are appreciated but not required. They may be shortened by the editor for publication.
  • Do not use Ibid.
  • Separate multiple citations within one footnote with “Also,”

Note that Evidence Explained offers different ways of layering citations (see page 112). The GGSJ generally prefers the physical layer followed by the digital layer.

Policy on Artificial Intelligence

The Georgia Genealogical Society Journal (GGSJ) does not accept articles or other contributions that include language output by Generative AI. This includes the narrative, notes, appendices, and citations.

The GGSJ will consider submissions that discuss the use of Generative AI as a subject. In this case, the use of AI must be clearly disclosed by the author, and the distinction between the voice of the author and AI output must be clear throughout the manuscript.

The use of AI to check grammar and spelling, or to assist with research (e.g., handwriting recognition, creating locality guides, research planning) is permitted and no disclosure is required. However, this technology should be used with human oversight, and authors should carefully review the output. Authors must accept full responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and citation of all content.